Jobs with a PGCE in Bangkok

[greggers1985]

Hi,

I worked in Thailand on an off for a few years on about 40-50k, before deciding to go back to England and complete a BA. I have now graduated with a 2:1 in Education Studies. I am currently in Thailand working for 5-700 an hour, while I am on my holiday, until I start my PGCE in England, in September. After the PGCE you have NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) status but not full QTS until you complete another year in a school with a British curriculum (on full wages currently £22,244 a year (or £27,819 if you work in inner London). Main pay ranges, including NQTs: London fringe: £23,313 to £33,909. Outer London: £25,880 to £36,540. I would like to complete my NQT year in Thailand at an international school with a British curriculum such as Harrow. Does anyone know if this is possible and if it is, should I start applying in England? Also would the wages be the equivalent to those paid in England? I am taking my PGCE in Secondary (11-18) English. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[jadee]

Hi, no it's not possible to complete an NQT year in Thailand, sorry to say. A quick email or phone call to wherever you'll be doing the PGCE training at in September will confirm that.

[greggers1985]

Canterbury Christ Church University. I did already ask them if it was possible to complete it abroad and they said yes, but I didn't specify

Thailand. In that case do you think that before completing the NQT year (which you have five years to do) you could still work for a top tier international school in Thailand? Or would they still not consider you to be fully qualified?

[CharlieH]

Better in Teaching forum

MOVED

[Laughing Gravy]

Well I m being honest. you are expecting the dream job. Why should an international school employ you over other experienced teachers. What is different to you than other teachers. What makes you special? You have said you have a degree BA. Not a PGCE.. The tone of your post suggests that you have a lot to learn. You are trying to join the premier league of football and you have never played in the conference league or had an apprentaships

I am more than happy to help and guide you. Just pm me. But your facts and figures are incorrect. No disrespect but there are many English teachers around. So what makes you more employable

[greggers1985]

I have over five years experience teaching in the 'lower leagues' as you aptly put it. I am not just interested in the money, I am pursuing pedagogy as a vocation. If you had read my earlier post you would have seen that I have taught in Thailand for several years already. I was just seeking some advice as I have put a lot of effort in to actually getting qualified, and I only have 10 more months to go. I want to work at an international school as I want to teach the British curriculum because the experience would be transferable when I go back and teach in the UK. The reason I specified that I wanted a top tier international school is that there are many international schools here which aren't fully accredited. If I was going to teach in the UK I would teach in a comprehensive, as I don't believe education is a business, and teaching under privileged children can be very rewarding in my experience. I apologise if my tone comes across as condescending to you, but your reply is far from gracious in its tone either. Which facts and figures are you referring to? The pay structure was directly from the government website. And when I spoke to my University they assured me I had five years to complete my NQT year, after I finish the PGCE.

[claffey]

I have over five years experience teaching in the 'lower leagues' as you aptly put it. I am not just interested in the money, I am pursuing pedagogy as a vocation. If you had read my earlier post you would have seen that I have taught in Thailand for several years already. I was just seeking some advice as I have put a lot of effort in to actually getting qualified, and I only have 10 more months to go. I want to work at an international school as I want to teach the British curriculum because the experience would be transferable when I go back and teach in the UK. The reason I specified that I wanted a top tier international school is that there are many international schools here which aren't fully accredited. If I was going to teach in the UK I would teach in a comprehensive, as I don't believe education is a business, and teaching under privileged children can be very rewarding in my experience. I apologise if my tone comes across as condescending to you, but your reply is far from gracious in its tone either. Which facts and figures are you referring to? The pay structure was directly from the government website. And when I spoke to my University they assured me I had five years to complete my NQT year, after I finish the PGCE.

I went back to do my PGCE in 2012/13. I then, like you, wanted to come back to Thailand as quickly as possible. I, then, unsuccessfully, applied to all of the top schools in Thailand. They all want experience from UK. At least 2 or 3 years. Top international schools will disregard any experience prior to your PGCE qualification. Just as schools will do in the UK.. Just stay in the UK and get a few years experience. Time flies...

An alternative is to complete your NQT year and then try to get a job in an international school teaching EAL. This can be a back door into the international school system. Its what I did. I am now teaching my subject, history. Good luck...Be patient. Don't come back here to teach ESL in a dodgy language centre. Do your time at home and you';ll be back in a few years with far better prospects...

[greggers1985]

Ok, thanks for your help. I will see, another two years minimum seems like a long time. We will see, I don't like the idea of coming back and the experience not helping in England, but the thing is if I come before I do my NQT year and can't do it here it wouldn't matter anyway as I'd only be applying for NQT jobs in England anyway. I know I could get a job teaching at an average 'international' school with a PGCE without doing the NQT year as a lot of my friends are doing it now with just a BA. However the curriculum is not the same as in England and therefore the experience, not for job prospects, but just to help when I eventually teach in England won't be that helpful. From what my friends are earning it seems you can still get fairly decent money though (between 60-80). Your comment was very helpful, thanks again.

[greggers1985]

Sorry my post was a little confusing, what I meant was if I come back in 2017 after my PGCE as an NQT. I would still have five years before I have to complete it. I have responsibilities here so that may be my best option. I'm definitely going back in September though I already have my place on the PGCE.

[Suradit69]

I have over five years experience teaching in the 'lower leagues' as you aptly put it. I am not just interested in the money, I am pursuing pedagogy as a vocation. If you had read my earlier post you would have seen that I have taught in Thailand for several years already. I was just seeking some advice as I have put a lot of effort in to actually getting qualified, and I only have 10 more months to go. I want to work at an international school as I want to teach the British curriculum because the experience would be transferable when I go back and teach in the UK. The reason I specified that I wanted a top tier international school is that there are many international schools here which aren't fully accredited. If I was going to teach in the UK I would teach in a comprehensive, as I don't believe education is a business, and teaching under privileged children can be very rewarding in my experience. I apologise if my tone comes across as condescending to you, but your reply is far from gracious in its tone either. Which facts and figures are you referring to? The pay structure was directly from the government website. And when I spoke to my University they assured me I had five years to complete my NQT year, after I finish the PGCE.

" I am pursuing pedagogy as a vocation. "

" I wanted a top tier international school "

I doubt any "top tier" international school would consider someone with your minimal academic & experiential credentials. The world is awash with unemployed BAs in Education Studies pursuing "pedagogical vocations."

[greggers1985]

I am aware of this, that is why I am going to study a PGCE in English (11-18). I must have some talent as a teacher as you normally have to study at least 50% of your degree in your subject specialism, however they made an exception. I am not claiming to be an expert pedagogue yet. However I refute your claim that the 'world is awash' with Education graduates especially those who are mature and have 5 years experience teaching English. The U.K is not as elitist as Thailand and children are children, experience teaching is still valuable to help sell yourself to a school (even if it isn't private and the children are not all privileged), as is confidence and good oratory and written skills.

[greggers1985]

I am aware of this, that is why I am going to study a PGCE in English (11-18). I must have some talent as a teacher as you normally have to study at least 50% of your degree in your subject specialism, however they made an exception. I am not claiming to be an expert pedagogue yet. However I refute your claim that the 'world is awash' with Education graduates especially those who are mature and have 5 years experience teaching English. The U.K is not as elitist as Thailand and children are children, experience teaching is still valuable to help sell yourself to a school (even if it isn't private and the children are not all privileged), as is confidence and good oratory and written skills.

[greggers1985]

Also, just to clarify I am not unemployed either. I am a private tutor, I teach mainly IELTS preparation, and preparation for PET. I must be one of the few Education students that in not 'awash', but has landed on solid ground Titanium.

[bermondburi]

Ok, thanks for your help. I will see, another two years minimum seems like a long time. We will see, I don't like the idea of coming back and the experience not helping in England, but the thing is if I come before I do my NQT year and can't do it here it wouldn't matter anyway as I'd only be applying for NQT jobs in England anyway. I know I could get a job teaching at an average 'international' school with a PGCE without doing the NQT year as a lot of my friends are doing it now with just a BA. However the curriculum is not the same as in England and therefore the experience, not for job prospects, but just to help when I eventually teach in England won't be that helpful. From what my friends are earning it seems you can still get fairly decent money though (between 60-80). Your comment was very helpful, thanks again.

60-80k is peanuts. Currently earning 225k in Saudi.

[brewsterbudgen]

Ok, thanks for your help. I will see, another two years minimum seems like a long time. We will see, I don't like the idea of coming back and the experience not helping in England, but the thing is if I come before I do my NQT year and can't do it here it wouldn't matter anyway as I'd only be applying for NQT jobs in England anyway. I know I could get a job teaching at an average 'international' school with a PGCE without doing the NQT year as a lot of my friends are doing it now with just a BA. However the curriculum is not the same as in England and therefore the experience, not for job prospects, but just to help when I eventually teach in England won't be that helpful. From what my friends are earning it seems you can still get fairly decent money though (between 60-80). Your comment was very helpful, thanks again.

60-80k is peanuts. Currently earning 225k in Saudi.

I'd want to earn twice that to compensate for having to live in Saudi!

[greggers1985]

60-80k is fairly good money here, the only way you can get more teaching is if you get a job at a fully accredited genuine international school, which as I have been reliably informed you can't as an NQT. Therefore with just a BA or a PGCE NQT with no experience after the PGCE this is quite good money. Especially when compared to the completely unqualified foreign teachers who are getting between 35-50. As I said it shouldn't all be about money, but if it is bermondburi you are in the right place, there aren't many ways to spend it where you are, are there? Perhaps a trip to the mosque, certainly no beer or fornication, I would imagine.

[bermondburi]

60-80k is fairly good money here, the only way you can get more teaching is if you get a job at a fully accredited genuine international school, which as I have been reliably informed you can't as an NQT. Therefore with just a BA or a PGCE NQT with no experience after the PGCE this is quite good money. Especially when compared to the completely unqualified foreign teachers who are getting between 35-50. As I said it shouldn't all be about money, but if it is bermondburi you are in the right place, there aren't many ways to spend it where you are, are there? Perhaps a trip to the mosque, certainly no beer or fornication, I would imagine.

Housing and car provided and yearly flight allowance given. The only things I spend money on are food and internet.

Plenty of booze here. Most people make their own.

I'm here with wife and kids so fornication no problem.

The ability to save a million baht every six months does make up for the lack of disco!

[gandalf12]

60-80k is fairly good money here, the only way you can get more teaching is if you get a job at a fully accredited genuine international school, which as I have been reliably informed you can't as an NQT. Therefore with just a BA or a PGCE NQT with no experience after the PGCE this is quite good money. Especially when compared to the completely unqualified foreign teachers who are getting between 35-50. As I said it shouldn't all be about money, but if it is bermondburi you are in the right place, there aren't many ways to spend it where you are, are there? Perhaps a trip to the mosque, certainly no beer or fornication, I would imagine.

Housing and car provided and yearly flight allowance given. The only things I spend money on are food and internet.

Plenty of booze here. Most people make their own.

I'm here with wife and kids so fornication no problem.

The ability to save a million baht every six months does make up for the lack of disco!

And everyone of the students will pass. Be careful with the booze, the ramifications if caught are not nice.

[bermondburithesecond]

Actually no, it's military, so there is a very high failure rate.

From each intake, probably only 30% pass.

[zeichen]

Stop bragging about teaching private lessons illegally. If you are actually teaching test prep and only getting 500-750 an hour, you are a fool who is being used or not of a caliber of a teacher to earn what you should. TEST Prep should be a minimum of 1500-3k baht an hour. I get 500-700 an hour just for conversation and basic essay writing courses.

As for your dream of getting a top job without any teaching experience just because you finish a PGCE, no chance. Harrow is one of the most restrictive schools. They only hire people with home country experience or a certain pedigree of international schools.

If you get the right experience, full qualifications etc, you could easily earn 150-200k baht a month at a good International school.

But now you will not likely do much better than 50k baht a month in BKK. You might get lucky and get a mid tier international school that pays 80k after you finish.